The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) has launched a new campaign as part of efforts to attract the next generation of rail workers, featuring a website highlighting the significant opportunities within the industry.
ARA Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Wilkie, along with Federal Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor, unveiled the Work in Rail website at Metro Trains Melbourne.
Ms Wilkie said the Work in Rail website features 80 different careers within the industry, outlining details of each role, as well as training and education pathways, salary data and links to current job vacancies.
“Work in Rail highlights the many ways you can build a rich and rewarding career in rail while supporting an industry that delivers significant sustainability, safety and health benefits to the wider community,” Ms Wilkie said.
“With $154 billion in rail construction activity planned over the next 15 years, there has never been a better time to build a career in rail, and this project will help job seekers find the role that is right for them.
“Whether you want to work on city-shaping projects such as the Metro Tunnel Project or Cross River Rail, or are passionate about technology, innovation or sustainability, rail offers exciting careers to help drive your future.”
Mr O’Connor congratulated the ARA on the project, saying it will increase workforce sustainability in the rail industry.
“The rail industry already supports 165,000 jobs across Australia and is growing every year as the latest wave of new infrastructure investment continues so it is critical that the current workforce gaps are addressed,” Mr O’Connor said.
“Job opportunities in rail are many and varied – you could be anything from a mechanical engineer to a heritage advisor, plumber or project manager. There is something to suit everyone, including school leavers, tertiary graduates and skilled workers looking for a change mid-career.”
Ms Wilkie said the Work in Rail project had been developed in response to the skills shortages facing the industry, with research by the ARA predicting a 70,000-worker skills gap.
“With new projects and growing rail networks, the rail industry offers a great opportunity to build a long-term career where you can work on exciting projects, travel the country and deliver new innovation and technology,” Ms Wilkie said.
“By working in rail, you are also part of an industry that is at the heart of our communities and economy and will help lead our path to a more sustainable future.
“I encourage anyone seeking an exciting career in a modern and innovative industry to visit the Work in Rail website and explore the many opportunities available in rail.”
Metro Trains Melbourne Executive Director Corporate Affairs, Clare Abbott, said the Work In Rail website would support the unprecedented transformation of the rail network in Melbourne through the Big Build.
“This is the most exciting time in generations to be a part of the rail industry. For young people looking to start a career, the rail industry has it all – it provides continuous career growth, exciting experiences, and the opportunity to be involved in moving the people of Australia,” Ms Abbott said.
The campaign will help inform school and higher education students about opportunities in the rail industry, as well as relevant education pathways, while also helping those already working in other industries to identify roles that would suit their existing skills.
Website users can take a self-assessment quiz to find roles that best suit their interests and access information on rail industry employers.
Profiles on people working in rail and broader information on the industry and its people is also available.
The ARA will host a Work in Rail stand at careers expos in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney in May and June 2023.
